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Cleaning your apartment doesn't have to be a thankless chore that ruins your weekend. By implementing a simple routine and keeping it simple with clever hacks, you can clean your apartment easily and efficiently, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your spotless space.

Declutter for cleaning efficiency

Before putting on your rubber gloves and breaking out your cleaning products, tackle the clutter in your space. A cluttered space can feel overwhelming to clean and maintain. Dedicate a basket or bag for trash, another for donations, and a third for items to relocate. Decluttering allows for easier cleaning and reduces the time spent moving objects around.

Tackle your home room by room

For an efficient clean, create a structured room-by-room cleaning plan. You can tackle every room on one day every week or two, or clean a different room every few days for shorter and easier, but more frequent, sessions.

Bathroom

Begin by tackling the toilet. Be sure to use a disinfectant cleaner and toilet scrubbing brush. Next, clean the sink, bathtub/shower, and mirror using an all-purpose cleaner. Don't forget to replace the toilet paper roll and wash your bath mat if needed. If you have time, sweep or mop the floor.

Kitchen

Clear your countertops and wash any dishes laying around. Wipe down surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner, paying attention to spills and appliance exteriors. Frequently cleaning kitchen surfaces like countertops (daily after use etc.) is best to avoid bad bacteria making its way into your food. It's ok to clean the stovetop, oven (some have a self-cleaning function), and the microwave less frequently. Empty the trash regularly (daily or as needed) and sweep or mop the floor (as needed). 

Bedroom

Make the bed and put away any clothes or items lying around. Dust furniture and electronics. Vacuum carpets and sweep or mop floors.

Living Room

Dust furniture, electronics, and light fixtures. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Straighten pillows and throws. Tidy up books, magazines, and any other items.

Try these cleaning hacks 

These time-saving cleaning hacks are great! Incorporate them into your cleaning routine:

Use Multi-purpose cleaners

Opt for all-purpose cleaners that can be used on various surfaces to minimize products and the effort of switching between them.

Use Microfiber cloths

These cloths are effective for dusting and polishing without damaging surfaces or using harsh chemicals. They're also machine washable, reducing waste.

Clean while you cook

Cleaning the kitchen can take time when you leave it all for the end of the meal or day. Consider doing it while you cook, like wiping down countertops and washing a few dishes as you use them in your food preparations.

Put a basket in every room

Having baskets in each room helps cut down clutter. Instead of tossing clothes, toys, books etc. onto furniture or the floor, toss them into the basket for later.

Make the bed daily 

This simple task takes a minute and makes the bedroom look instantly neater. It's also better for your mental state to make your bed.

Maintain a clean apartment

Here are some tips to prevent clutter and maintain a clean apartment. Cleaning your home is much easier if it's kept relatively clean at all times.

Put things away after use

Get into the habit of putting things back in their designated spots after using them. This prevents clutter from accumulating and makes cleaning up much easier.

Do small cleaning tasks daily

Spend a few minutes each day on minor cleaning tasks like wiping down counters, putting away dishes, or sweeping the floor. By staying on top of small messes, you can prevent them from snowballing into bigger cleaning jobs.

Schedule cleaning sessions

Dedicate specific days or times for focused cleaning sessions (by room, for example) to prevent chores from piling up. Whether it's a 30-minute bathroom blitz after work, or a longer deep clean of the whole apartment on weekends, scheduling helps you stay on track and prevents cleaning from taking over all your free time.

Declutter regularly

Regularly going through your belongings and discarding anything no longer needed or used is great to keep clutter at bay. This could be clothes that no longer fit, old magazines, or expired products. By decluttering regularly, you can prevent clutter from accumulating and keep your apartment feeling fresh and spacious.

Add fresh scents and natural light

Adding a pleasant scent to your apartment can enhance the feeling of cleanliness. Scented candles or diffusers are popular options for adding scents, but natural solutions like baking soda or bowls of vinegar can also deodorize bad smells. Open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air and natural light to circulate in your apartment. Natural light can brighten your space and even improve your mood.

Small touches for a big impact

Small touches can make a big difference in the overall clean and organized feeling of your apartment. Here are some ideas:

Fold blankets and towels neatly 

Neatly folded linens add a polished look to your bathroom and living room.

Swap throw pillow covers

Update the look and feel of your living room with seasonal throw pillow covers.

By following these tips, you can establish a cleaning routine that keeps your apartment look and feel fantastic without taking over your free time. Remember, consistency is key – a little cleaning every day goes a long way in maintaining a clean and inviting living space.

Looking for a new apartment to call home? Panoramic Properties would love to welcome you home. Please visit our website to browse our available apartments.